Yuki Nagasato coolly lifts the ball over New Zealand goalie Jenny Bindon after her ill advised charge strands her out of position. Six minutes later a perfectly weighted cross by Ria Percival finds Amber Hearn in the correct spot and the in form striker heads home for the perfect finish. Shades of Shane Smeltz’s heroics against Italy in the men’s World Cup?
Japan come back however as the delightful Aya Miyama continues the Japanese tradition of creative free kick takers with a gem of a goal. Shunsuke Nakamura and Yasuhito Endo come to mind in the men’s game.
With this win Japan are in pole position to win group B and avoid Germany. They meet Mexico next.